2022 Raleigh-Durham CASA C-212 crash

On 29 July 2022, the second-in-command (SIC) of a CASA C-212 operating skydiving flights, with only The Two pilots aboard, initiated a go-around at Raeford, North Carolina after what the pilot-in-command (PIC) described as a destabilized approach due to windshear. The aircraft made hard contact with the runway, which sheared off the right main landing gear, and returned to stable flight. After ground confirmation of the damage, the crew decided to divert to the larger Raleigh–Durham International Airport. En route to the alternate field with the PIC now flying, the PIC reported that the visibly upset SIC apologized for the hard landing, opened his own cockpit window and the rear cargo ramp, and got up from his seat stating that he needed to "get some air." He then proceeded to the rear of the aircraft and departed the aircraft via the open cargo ramp at without a parachute. The PIC told investigators that the SIC had "jumped"; however, the final NTSB report stated that there was not sufficient evidence to support he intentionally exited the aircraft. The body of the 23-year old SIC was found in a residential area later that evening. Toxicology indicated that the SIC had used a kratom product, possibly to treat anxiety, which can cause impairment as well as nausea, dizziness, or feelings of being hot or smothered. While the DEA has not listed kratom as a controlled substance, internal FAA policy considers its use disqualifying. Whether the SIC's kratom use contributed to the event was ruled inconclusive by the NTSB. The PIC executed an emergency landing at Raleigh–Durham, during which the aircraft departed the runway to the right, coming to rest in the grass. The aircraft was substantially damaged, but there was no explosion or fire. The PIC was uninjured.